A radioactive nucleus undergoes a single decay event to produce a new nucleus and radiation.
Which statement correctly describes the products of such a decay?
In β+\beta^+β+ (beta-plus) decay, a nucleus of a different element is formed and a positron is emitted.
In γ\gammaγ (gamma) decay, a nucleus of a different element is formed and a high-energy photon is emitted.
In α\alphaα (alpha) decay, a nucleus of the same element is formed and a helium-4 nucleus is emitted.
In β−\beta^-β− (beta-minus) decay, a nucleus of the same element is formed and an electron is emitted.
484 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2 Radioactivity, covering 5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate, 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission, 5.2.2b Deflection and ionising effects of nuclear radiation, 5.2.3a Radioactive decay, 5.2.3b Effects of decay on the nucleus and decay equations, 5.2.4a Half-life, 5.2.4b Choosing isotopes for applications, and 5.2.5 Effects of ionising radiation and safety precautions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.